Completing your self-assessment tax returns can be somewhat stressful, and there’s a lot you will need to know. Unsurprisingly, deadlines are among the most important. Still, starting out with knowledge of the key dates can make a big difference. In line with this, today, we’ve outlined the key dates you need to know for the upcoming self-assessment tax year. Hopefully, this will help you plan your 2023/2024 returns more effectively.
When are the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadlines in 2023/2024?
If you’re planning your self-assessment tax returns, making sure you’re aware of the key deadlines is hugely important. There are two main deadlines most people need to know: when to submit paper returns and deadlines to submit digitally.
Deadline for Paper Self-Assessment Tax Returns
If you’re completing your tax return on paper, you’ll need to send it through sooner than with a traditional return. In line with this, the deadline for submitting self-assessment tax returns on paper is the 31st of October. Always check you send your paper tax returns with enough time for HMRC to receive and process the document; this is important so that you don’t end up getting fined.
Deadline for Online SA Tax Returns
If you are submitting your self-assessment tax returns online, you will have a longer deadline to submit. Plus, submitting self-assessment tax returns online is generally quicker and easier; as such, most people will send their returns digitally.
The deadline for submitting self-assessment tax returns online to HMRC is the 31st of January, 2024. You will have until midnight on the 31st of January to submit and complete your tax payment; as such, make sure you’ve prepared well in advance to complete this stage.
When Does the SA Tax Year Start?
First of all, we need to look at when the 2023/2024 tax year begins. The self-assessment tax year for 2023/2024 starts on the 6th of April, 2023. As such, income or expenses on or after the 6th of April 2023 are ncluded in the 2023/2024 year.
When Does the Self Assessment Tax Year for 2023/2024 End?
The 2023/2024 tax year ends on the 5th of April, 2024. Any income received or expenses paid on the 5th of April 2024 will fall into the 2023/2024 tax year.
What Tax Year Do I Pay for in 2023/2024?
When you complete your self-assessment tax returns in 2023/2024, you’ll actually be paying for the previous year’s taxes. As such, when submitting tax returns in 2023/2024, you will be paying for the 2022/2023 tax year. This tax year runs between the 6th of April, 2022 and the 5th of April, 2023.
When are Tax Payments Due?
Many people assume that their tax payments only come out once a year. However, this is not technically the case. In fact, if you have paid taxes before, you will need to make an advance tax payment. This is based on the previous year’s taxes and is due by the 31st of July, 2023.
Additionally, you’ll need to make your tax payment for the 2022/2023 tax year by the 1st of January, 2024. If there are any outstanding taxes due, you will need to pay a balancing payment at this time.
How Long Does it Take To Get a UTN?
At this point, we’ve outlined some of the main things you need to know about tax deadlines. However, it’s well worth keeping in mind here that you’ll need a unique taxpayer number (UTN) first. Your UTN is unique and will be sent in the post from HMRC directly. However, this isn’t a quick process. In fact, in many cases, it can take around one or two weeks for your UTN to arrive.
As such, when considering the key dates for self-assessment, you should always keep in mind whether you’ve got your UTN (or if you’ll need a reminder). If you need a reminder or to apply for a UTN, you’ll need to allow plenty enough time. Failing that, you may be fined for submitting your self-assessment tax returns late.
Final Thoughts
Completing self-assessment tax returns for 2023/2024 can seem tough, but knowing some of the key dates can help. However, if you need further guidance while submitting your own tax returns, our friendly team here at [Company Name] will be on hand to help out. So, contact us today; we’ll see what we can do to make your self-assessment tax returns a little easier to process.
